Cravings Goes Organic

     Pollution and everyday stress weakens our immune system. Not only that. Due to practical issues and hectic schedules, buying instant food products became part of our routine. 

     We all know that our bodies are composed of billions of cells aiding from whatever lifestyle we have, depending each of their existence in the nutrients from our daily food intake. It is very alarming that most of the Filipinos ages 40 above suffers from different ailments such as hypertension, hepatitis, diabetes and many others. I can’t help but think what would be the possible life span of an average Filipino after a decade? If my grandparents died at 75, should I expect I could live longer than that?   

     Those questions moved me. That is why I switched from a fast-food-fast-life foodie to an all organic.

     Good thing I was able to encourage some of my friends to change our lifestyle and be a “go-organic” enthusiast.

     For vegans like me, I suggest you visit Cravings Katipunan every weekend. They sell different organic products.

     Here's the ad I saw from their facebook page.

C2 Classic Cuisine's Relyenong Bangus

Have you remembered a childhood scenario where you had your family picnic? Well… I do: Dad used to wear his “Best Dad” apron while holding a huge tongs in front of a smoking griller. One of my dad’s specialty was Relyenong  Bangus. Those memories were still clear, it was because of my third visit at C2 ClassicCuisine.

Now this is one healthy dish that I could not resist. The presentation is very enticing. I couldn't help but stare at its finely-frilled layer with the juicy fillet in the center garnished with lettuce and "atchara". It's good with catsup but I guess soy sauce with slices of onion would be great for this.

Little Big Burgers now in Antipolo

My friends we’re really starving right after our four-hour badminton tournament. We decided to stop over at The Little Big Burgers to satisfy our gastronomic pining.
Talking about stop-over, we we're welcomed by the place's inspiring ambience, as if we travelled Sydney, Italy, Singapore and all other countries all at the same time. The walls were back-dropped with remarkable sceneries seen around the globe. Quite impressive.

Me and my fiancé ordered wedges as appetizers. We didn’t have any plans of ordering one, it’s just that one of our friends offered us a taste and we almost left them with nothing. It was great. Their wedges were finely baked and seasoned. I also love its combination of potatoes, meaty bits, special sauce and onions.

I ordered Little Aloha Burger while my better half had Little Yao Ming Burger. We’re not aware that we can order three different flavors per set. (…well, now we know!)

My almond shaped-eyes widened when the burgers were served right in front of us. I didn’t expect it was larger than what I thought it was. (Nice… supposed calling it not-so-little burgers!)

You might be asking, How about the taste?

The meat is thick and obviously not compromised. Its beefy goodness and crunchy veggies added a kick to the burgers’ sauce.

They also have Infinitea’s menu so just in case you’re craving for milk tea for a quencher - you no longer have to leave your seats.

You should give it a try and I bet you’ll never regret it!

Little Big Burgers is located at E-Max Building near Infinitea, right in front of 7Eleven. (Few walks away from Ynares Center and Jollibee Capitol in Antipolo)

By the way...here's our photo during our meeting *slash* Jeff's (one of our friends) Surprise Birthday Bash --- our second encounter with LBB.:)

Cakes and Coffee Madness

Last week, I was fortunate I saw TCB Unlimited’s Free Unlimited Coffee and Cakes Promo on Facebook. I received a voucher in an instant. To enjoy my perk, I invited my fiancé to check-out the café and their sweet treats. We really want to splurge on TCB’s sweets before but due to time constraints, we rarely have a time to drop by at any of the branches.

Anyway, the promo was a huge motivator. Though one of us has to order a set, the price sure is a real deal. It’s like we bought two sets in the price of one. Nice!

I'm not a fan of coffee but who would say "no" to this finely brewed thing?

 My fiancé finished six cakes and two cups of coffee while I had three cakes and a cup of java. His favorite was the carrot cake (he ate three of them) while mine was double chocolate. We both love the texture of the cake. It's great the icing's sweetness doesn't spoil the entire cake.

Ultimate Carrot Cake, Devil's Food Cake and Double Chocolate

The best part of it is the chance to have a coffee and chit-chat with someone special in a romantic and well defined ambience.

City's Proudly Pinoy Resto

I was born and raised in the city. No wonder I envy my mom's childhood. Back when she’s young, she and her parents lived in their hometown in Bicol. She experienced how fresh the sea breeze is as it touched her finely tanned skin while splurging into different cuisine’s that Bicolanos are known for. Not long enough, she and my grandparents left their hometown for a so-called “Greener Pasteur” in the metro.

On the other hand, my dad lives in Makati since he was five months old. Well, when it comes to Makati’s directions, he is a know it all. After forty five years, he decided to settle down with my stepmom at Quezon Province and made a name in the field of politics and culinary.

My close friends used to invite me over during their vacation. Maybe it’s their way of telling me to wash that envy off me. I love out of town vacations as if I was released in the noise of the metropolitan. They don’t even bother what would I expect. They just love the way I scream for joy because of those fresh home-made food.

That is why it sure gives me a delight whenever I visit C2 Classic Cuisine. Just imagine all those delectable dishes where Philippines are famously known for are available straight at the restaurants in the city.

                C2 Classic Cuisine makes me feel proud of our country’s richness in mouthwatering dishes, a culture that binds every Filipino family together. I may not be raised in the province with popular dishes, but I still am proud that I am Pinoy and I have the easy-access privilege to enjoy these delightful cuisine.

Gelato at Lombardi's

     My fiancé and I were avid fans of ice cream. I remember the first time he visited our crib with a gallon of Rocky Road. When I said it was our family’s favorite ice cream flavor, he humbly joked around pretending it was a gallon of fish paste. My brother was charmed by the dessert. From that day on he became our love team’s number one fan.

     Like him, my almond shaped-eyes widen whenever I see these cold mouth-melting desserts. There is something behind those sweet treat that changes my “Hulk-a-like” mood.

     We’re used to dine in and hang-out with our friends or family, but not this time. We want this one to be a bit intimate him-and-me-bonding like before. I must admit we rarely have time together for the past weeks and we want to discuss few plans for our wedding. We decided to meet-up and have a plateful of Italian dish at Lombardi’s Shangri-la.

     There was a heavy rain and I have to commute from Makati to Shangri-la. My pumps and pants were soaking wet. Teary-eyed, I entered Shangri-la and saw him with bouquet of white roses. He was apologetic but I was a bit exhausted that I haven't said a word yet. I felt really tired that I already lost my appetite.

     I was somewhat calmed by the peaceful ambience of Lombardi’s. Instead of ordering something to munch in for dinner, I simply had a huge gelato instead to modify my mood. The Barca de Gelato looked nice on the menu but my face brightened when it was served right in front of me. All I said was Wow! 

     I felt great (and full) after we finished that barca of amazing treat. I never tried Lombardi’s gelato before but since that day on, ice cream spots number two on my list of favorite desserts, next to gelato.

     Definitely a must try!

Kare Kare Made Even Better!

I remember back when I was ten, I used to hang out in the kitchen with my mom, especially when she’s cooking Kare Kare, my dad’s favorite dish. The peanut sauce mixed with a pinch of “bagoong” complimented the viand’s meat and vegetables. To be honest, I’m very picky when it comes to vegetables. As long as they’re in this delectable dish, who would probably say no?

After half a decade, my mom worked abroad to pursue her passion in couture. It was evident how a huge piece of our family’s everyday lives were missing, especially in the kitchen and dining area. We just love to eat, but it was too bad no one inherited my mom’s cooking prowess.

I graduated in College without her presence. I really missed her and her specialties. Because I was craving for Kare Kare back then, and I was already earning from my first job, I invited my siblings to dine in at C2Classic Cuisine at SM Megamall.

It is without regret, the best tasting Kare Kare that I’ve tasted (I’m sorry mom, I still love you!). It’s like a combination of scrumptious Crispy Pata and mouthwatering Kare Kare. The peanut sauce’s thickness was exactly blended the way I want it.

The vegetables are fresh and crunchy. (If all vegetables are cooked this way, I am willing to give up my love for meat and be a vegetarian!)

I don’t know, my mom would probably curse me if she’ll read this blog (just kidding!) but I swear, that Kare Kare is my top pick.

I suggest you try Bibingka Souffle for dessert after Crispy Kare Kare, it's like heaven!

So that’s it for now, more food to check-out next. 

The Luxury of Being at Home

It was our second time at Casa Roces. My family was too accustomed in their discreet ambience that made us decide to come back. We were already bounded by our expectations but the good thing was Casa Roces never failed to impress us. This time, I invited my fiancé to join us for lunch. He was certain that we’ll enjoy the day. He already heard a lot from me.

Last time I talked about the restaurant’s interiors. Now it is time for me to tease you and splurge you Casa Roces’s mouthwatering dishes.

Shrimps on Watermelon

One thing I love about the food is its classic taste that welcomes you as if you are part of their  family. I true inheritance of Kitchen Masterpiece, a exquisite home-cooking passed from generations to generations.

Salmon Fillet

Carbonara

TCB's Unlimited Coffee and Cakes

If you were given a privilege to enjoy luscious cakes and coffee for only PHP200.00, choosy ka pa ba?! At this very moment, you might be thinking I am just a big fat talksh*t. It might sound as if it is too good to be true but yep, it is!

I remember the first time at TCB Unlimited. I wasn't caught by that Unlimited whatsoever. But it was surprising that my very “makunat” cousin invited me for coffee after my exhausting day at the office.

We stopped at TCB Unlimited located inside the Cravings Restaurant. I was a bit confused at first. I didn’t even notice the restaurant was there before because of the huge CCA Signage standing proud along the street of Katipunan.

I just want to ask, have you ever played tug of war? Well, this game reminded when I first saw TCB’s Devil’s Food Cake. The cake was topped with complete white frosting that disguised coatings of sinfully addicting chocolate cake and caramel. To be honest, I couldn't decide which part will I dig in first! The white frosting is heavenly parallel with the invigorating taste of the chocolate and caramel combined. I guess it was not called Devil’s Food Cake for nothing. It really is sinfully tempting.

Devil's Food Cake

After letting my taste buds celebrate the madness of Devil’s Food Cake, I tried a slice of TCB’s Honey Mango. I must admit I am a mango lover. I never want to end my day without a couple of slice of fresh mangoes or mango cakes. Even a glass of mango juice or shake can definitely make my day. It was just amazing that Honey Mango was simply the perfect choice. Its light and soft chiffon cake layered with a thin icing and graham crumbs perfectly complemented the taste and texture of the fresh mango ball and honey in every slice.

Honey Mango Cake

For the third slice, I ordered a Chocolate Caramel Cake. I don’t know if my tummy could still handle this irresistible cake but the treat was too tempting for me to say no. The gooey caramel was too sweet but the texture was perfectly satisfying. I recommend you folks to make it above your list.

Chocolate Caramel Cake

I am not an avid fan of coffee but TCB Unlimited’s brewed coffee was definitely worth to try especially now it's unlimited.

The treat was great. No wonder my cousin was confident to invite me for coffee. Those cakes turned my ordinary day three times better than the usual food hunting. I still want to try another cake but my stomach is already full. I wish I was prepared, I should have starve myself first!^_^

A Hangout That You’ll Surely LAB!

The Lab Gastropub is the latest sanctuary to those foodie lovers who are dying to re-discover a new set of menu. Added with an ambience that delectably rewards your senses, this place is an interesting venue for people who are craving to try out some delicacies with a different twist.
The menu reminded me about my childhood memories of Dexter's Laboratory, a comic cartoon series about science whatsoever.

doodles brought back those childhood cartoon memories

To begin with, let me introduce you to a must-have for diners, the popular Lab Sisig. Unlike any other sisig, Lab Gastropub had a crunchy meat sung instead of the commonly used chicharon, topped with soft poached egg, chunks of pork plus a spicy twist. The crunch complements its surprisingly irresistible blend of egg, meat and secret spices. Want to know what’s the secret? Try it for yourself!

Best sisig, try it then see for yourself!

 
Well, how about trying out their warm and freshly baked halo-halo? That’s right. It is extremely different to the ordinary halo-halo that we know. The mixture of meringue with melted ice cream and other confections plus the warm and cold temperature brought to your tongue played a great part to this dessert.

Baked Halo-halo, it's like winter meets summer 

The atmosphere is very much different from the loud atmosphere at the nearby bar and restaurants along SM by the Bay. It has a steady place ideal for those who want nothing but to chill and relax.

Finest Served Near the Bay!

Oceana is the first restaurant-school of the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA), Manila - the country’s top culinary school. It is located within the vivacious SM Mall of Asia. Its groundbreaking concepts redefined the bar of culinary arts education in the Philippines.

Oceana has an open kitchen with high-grade facilities, a dining area for 60 people, and events area that can accommodate up to 350 guests – all in one package. It is an outstanding collaboration of the different companies under the Cravings Group which include CCA Manila, C2 Classic Cuisine, and C3 Events Place.

There is a great demand from career-shifters and hobbyists who want to study the field of culinary arts, such as those planning to put up their own restaurant or coffee shop, or want to pursue more opportunities in the culinary industry here and abroad.

While learning through analysis, the students also enjoy the privilege of experiencing the actual restaurant operations. Competent and seasoned Chef Instructors from the hotel and hospitality industry oversees the students as well.

Aside from these dishes from the students, bestsellers from C2 Classic Cuisine Restaurant are also served at Oceana’s menu.

The Events Place is inspired by the spectacular view of the bay, complementing its bright and airy atmosphere with a white motif that stands out above all other, an ideal banquet venue for different social and corporate functions.

Unlike typical restaurants with open kitchens, Oceana takes that concept to the next level. It has a show kitchen located in the dining area, close to customers for them to truly feel that food are freshly prepared.

Oceana is a restaurant, culinary school and events place located at the Mall of Asia. It is in fact a great opportunity for CCA Manila students “The opening of Oceana provided a huge opportunity for CCA Manila students to have a training ground for a wider market. This is a good avenue for them because can able to apply their invested learning in an actual set-up. The public is expecting more satellite schools that with more applicable and innovative programs. This is all in line with the CCA Manila’s vision, to maintain its position as the leader in culinary arts education in the Philippines.

I Found Heaven at Makati

Makati City is known as the nest of major banks, corporations, stores and foreign embassies in the Philippines. Its population is overflowing to more than a million during a typical working weekday because of the large number of people who work, shop and do business their agenda. Trust me, I’ve been there!

I must admit, working at Makati (especially if you are from Antipolo or Malabon) can be quite exhausting. I am glad I found a cozy place to sit it, relax and get away to the buzzy area without getting out of the city. Few blocks from Greenbelt3, along the streets of Arnaiz and San Lorenzo, a restaurant inside Hotel Celeste became a haven for me for less than a week.

As you enter the door, cheerful hotel staff would greet you as if you’re part of their home. Relaxing hymn filled the atmosphere added with a touch of elegance and soothing aroma of the coffee served at Cravings Bistro (located on the left wing of the hall). There, they serve breakfast from 6:00 am until 11:00 am. They also serve perfectly baked cakes such as Honey Mango Heaven and White Chocolate Sansrival…yummy!

needless to say  about breakfast?

Talking about wines and flavours

I love these portraits

Honey Mango Heaven

White Chocolate Sansrival

On the right wing of the floor, your eyes will be enticed by the classic look of Lucia Ristorante. The place is ideal for guests who simply want to have a quiet time alone, do business meetings or enjoy the comfort of sophisticated Italian ambience. Lucia Ristorante is open from 11:00 am – 11:00pm and serves Merenda from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm..

MADE AS IF YOU'RE HOME

"Rediscover classic home style cooking that satisfies of every Filipino's appetite (as well as Filipinos-at-heart)."

C2 Classic Cuisine represents the hospitality of the Filipinos and the real definition of comfort and convenience as if you are right at your home’s doorsteps.  Through the service of well-trained restaurant staffs, customers are motivated to return for the delectable dishes and remarkable dining experience.

C2 Classic Cuisine made its way to the pedestal with the support of the Filipino’s prestigious restaurant, the Cravings Group.  Added with the expertise of the chefs behind Center for Culinary Arts Manila (CCA, Manila), C2 Classic Cuisine became a casual dining venue for people who celebrates ingenuity and innovation of Filipino favorites. C2 Classic Cuisine is an ideal place for Filipino families and for foreigners who want a true taste of our finest cuisines.

The restaurant offers one of the redefined Filipino classics and favorite dishes complimented with an exciting reinvention.

Check out these branches for more of the finest taste of Filipino’s best recipes that will make you feel at home!

C2 Classic Cuisine Megamall

3/F SM Megamall, Atrium , Julia Vargas Ave cor EDSA Wack Wack, Mandaluyong

C2 Classic Cuisine Greenhills

18 Missourri St., Northeast Greenhills, San Juan Metro Manila

C2 Classic Cuisine Shangrila Mall

Edsa Corner Shaw Boulevard Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong













C2 Classic Cuisine Robinsons Midtown

Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila Pedro Gil cor. Adriatico Sts., Ermita, Manila

A+ for Tenderloin Tips

Last week, I had a chance to eat out at Cravings Katipunan with my friends for my birthday celebration. I was actually enticed by the CCA Manila signage at the valet. Hmm…I guess a hint that the food will sure be a delight. :-) 

The ambiance seems calm and inviting. I was craving for beef that time so I tried Tenderloin Tips! (Yep, you heard it right, the food really sounds funny...I opt not to buy that at first but no regrets…it sure tastes like a piece of heaven!) I love the tenderness of meat and the sauce tastes better than I expected. We decided to stay longer to try their unlimited cakes and coffee… talking ‘bout a birthday treat, it surely is spend worthy! :-)

More than Italian!

It was my dad’s fiftieth birthday when we decided to munch in on something different from what nomadic Filipinos are dying to eat. My dad is a product of a half-Chinese half-Spanish bloodline so Spanish and Chinese cuisines are our typical dining endpoint.

After an early morning mass at Antipolo Cathedral, we drove our way to Robinsons Magnolia to try out Lombardi’s Authentic Italian Cuisine. It was suggested to us by my aunt who recently migrated to Australia. She said the food was great. Well, maybe it is for us to try!

The day before, I was searching for Lombardi’s on the net. To my surprise, most of the searches brought me to Lombardi’s New York. I thought it was the same restaurant as what we have in the Philippines. It just wowed me that Lombardi’s is in fact, a Filipino owned restaurant named after an Italian Chef with a Filipino heart.

We were welcomed by the restaurant’s inviting ambience and conspicuous interiors. The atmosphere made us feel at home. As dad slide himself in on one of the vacant seats, I knew he was really excited to dig-in on new delicacies.

My dad ordered Saltimbocca Alla Romana, a main course with Scalloppini Chicken, Prosciutto and Sage while mom had Pizza Aisalumi enriched with lavish tomato sauce, mozzarella with Italian Ham. As for my favorite niece, Spaghetti con Polpettine should probably appease her.

If you happen to like thin crust pizzas, then Lombardi’s is a great place for you. Though, they’re not that extravagant on toppings, the spices were perfectly harmonious and weighty.

The meat was finely mixed with spices that tested me and my mom’s inquisitiveness in cooking and food tasting.  The cuisines were very appetizing that dad even suggested us to come back at Lombardi’s on mom’s birthday.

Lombardi’s Authentic Italian not just made us taste authentic Italian delicacies but as well as remarkable authentic Italian experience that made my dad’s day. I suppose our experience at the Lombardi’s in Robinsons Magnolia was indeed a treat not only for dad, but for the rest of our family!

STARS COME TO LIFE

Our childhood crazy dream of getting close to stars became an astounding reality.

When we were just kids, we had our bedroom ceiling painted in black then filled it with glow-in-the-dark stars patterned from the constellation we saw in the encyclopedia. Our bedroom was our most comfortable place back then. Our evening was never complete without staring at our imaginary outer space right before we close our eyes. We count the stars in the ceiling rather than count sheep like other kids used to do. Star gazing became our siblings’ simple joy. Before, we used to spend most of our summer nights on tents we setup at the backyard pretending we were real astronauts exploring the space. It was not too late when we realized that becoming an astronaut was just a wishful thinking.

After more than a decade, I and my co-astronaut-wanna-be siblings made their paths far from what we imagined when we were kids. All our dreams changed and going outer space became far beyond our dreams than they were before.

Indeed, it was a blessing-in-disguise when one of our relatives invited our family on their engagement party at the Seven Suites. The event location is said to be the first and only Hotel Observatory in the Philippines. Standing proud at the suburban heights of Antipolo, we are stunned by the astonishing view of the metropolitan’s city lights and night sky.

We couldn’t wait our turn to see the stellar view that night. Thanks to their in-house astronomer and that 12”diameter telescope (almost same as what we’ve seen in PAG-ASA back when we were kids), it brought back the old memories of our childhood when star gazing was our siblings’ best bonding moment.

The occasion made more intimate because of its elegant ambience and spacious accommodation. The couple looked very attractive on their gown and suit, complimenting the nostalgia brought about by the evening.

The place is very accessible that even we came all the way from Quezon City, getting there on time is not a problem at all. The vicinity is very calm and relaxing, indeed a perfect place for bride and groom who wants to experience a piece of heaven above earth.

As I went back to my condo, I can’t help but stare at my bedroom ceiling that night, remembering the details of our imaginary outer space and the beauty of the stellar view at the Seven Suites.

Stars established our curiosity and bubbliness when we were young and as I grew older, I realized that these celestial bodies revealed an entirely different perspective. I was captivated by its prevailing significance of romance and serenity. We may not have a bloodline who is an astronaut by profession, but I know those little stargazers will definitely dwell inside us.

REMINISCING THOSE GOOD OLD DAYS

Raised with the presence of seven male cousins during childhood years, I was used to helping my grandmother in the kitchen instead of playing bull fight with the bunch of rude boys. I grew up seeing Sundays to be all about food and Lola was the regular Master Chef of our clan’s hungry vultures. It was a fulfillment for me having tasted the food before they were served in the buffet table. Those days were pretty remarkable to me.

Due to everyone’s hectic and unparalleled schedules, it was hard for us to bring back those gatherings now that no one in the family inherited my grandmother’s passion in cooking. I must admit nobody from us can cook our family’s favorite dishes the way she does. While our family has lately been seeing more bonding moments with cousins and other relatives by eating out, we appreciate the pleasure of gathering in a homey atmosphere more. Thanks to our acquaintance from Nagoya Japan, he awakens our inquisitiveness by his compliments on different blogs and restaurant reviews. We had a chance to visit Casa Roces, an ancestral house now a full-service restaurant and café standing proud across Malacañan Palace. The ambience made us feel the comfort of home as if we travelled back in time for Lola’s good old home-cooked specialties…or even better. 

Casa Roces is from a 1930s pre-war ancestral home renovated into a full-service restaurant and cafe. It is now a white house surrounded with a spacious, warm and welcoming environment, and interior and decor that entice visitors to stay longer.

The restaurant has a spacious driveway ideal for families who finds travelling along with relatives and friends very heartening. The ground floor hallway reveals a casual and brighter space.  On the opposite side lays proud some of their antique chairs. The room is very comfortable, as if I travelled back in time when I was playing around with my siblings on our grandmother’s living area. There is also a bar in one corner, where you can have a sip of their cocktails, beer, and wine and an art gallery like nook with portraits of the Roces' ancestors.

At Casa Roces, one will definitely feel the warmth of being welcomed in a traditional Filipino home with an ambience and cuisine that brings family’s most cherished moments to life.

Casa Roces is located at 1153 J.P.Laurel cor. Aguado St., San Miguel, Manila and is open daily from 10:00am until 10:00pm.